Buddhism .

What is Buddhism? Buddhism is a major world religion, or in a better sense, philosophy. It is the 4th largest religion of the world, and has about 300,000,000 people living by it. It explains the purpose of life, injustices and inequality around the world. It also helps people by providing a way of life that will lead to true happiness.

The History of Buddhism It was all started by Buddha, who was a prince in Lumbini, 2500 years ago. He was very unhappy in his royal life, so he set off on a 6 year journey, exploring other religions. After his long journey and much meditation he was finally “enlightened”. He found the middle path, the key to human happiness. For the rest of his life he wandered Asia, preaching his new religion.

What Did Buddha Teach? He taught the 4 Noble truths which sum up Buddhism religion He also taught the noble eight fold path He taught to lead a moral life, be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions and to develop wisdom and understanding He also taught the 5 precepts

What are the Four Noble Truths? The first was that life is suffering You can’t live without death, frustration, etc. The second is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion Getting what you want doesn’t guarantee happiness, it deprives you of it The third is that suffering can be overcome, and true happiness attained If we stop craving useless things, and live each day at a time (not living in the future) we will be happy and free. The fourth is that the Noble eight fold path leads to the end of all suffering

The Noble Eightfold Path It taught 8 simple rules: To have a right understanding To have right thoughts To use right speech To do right actions To deal with right livelihood To give a right effort To have a right mindfulness To use the right meditation

The 5 precepts Do not take the life of anything living Do not take anything not freely given Abstain from sensual overindulgence Refrain from untrue speech Avoid intoxication Do not lose mindfulness This is the moral code of the Buddhists